Runner segment for an edge guard of a road milling machine, and edge guard for a road milling machine

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to an edge guard for a road milling machine and to a runner segment for such an edge guard. According to the present invention, the runner segment comprises an insertion projection that can be inserted into an insertion receptacle of the edge guard.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a runner segment for an edge guard of a roadmilling machine or similar soil working machine, having a runner portiononto which a fastening portion is indirectly or directly shaped.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Road milling machines are used for road and path construction. Theyserve in that context to completely or, preferably, partly remove theexisting roadway material, in which context a milling drum is used whichis accommodated in protected fashion inside a drum housing. The millingdrum is usually fitted with bits that engage into the substrate beingprocessed for roadway material removal. Protective elements referred toas “edge guards” are inserted on the sides of the drum housing thatextends in the travel direction of the road milling machine. The edgeguard covers the milling drum on the side, and thus on the one handprevents access to the milling drum during milling operation, and on theother hand prevents milled-off material from being ejected into thesurroundings. The edge guard rests on the roadway surface with a lowerskid runner, so that complete coverage of the milling drum is achieved.The skid runner furthermore presses onto the unprocessed roadwaymaterial that is located outside the working region adjacent to themilling drum. The edge guard consequently and accordingly forms abuttress that prevents the laterally adjacent roadway material frombreaking away during the milling process. The skid runner is assembledfrom runner segments, which are subject to a certain amount of wear andtherefore must be replaced after reaching their wear limit. The runnersegments comprise for this purpose a fastening portion with which theyare bolted laterally onto the edge guard. The bolt heads of the runnersegments are on occasion exposed to the abrasive attack of removedmaterial, and then become ground down. They can then no longer beloosened using the intended tool. It may further happen that theattachment surfaces between the edge guard and the runner segmentsbecome eroded. The runner segments can then no longer be positioned inan exactly reproducible manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to make available a runner segment foran edge guard that enables simple maintenance.

A further object of the invention is to make available an edge guard ofthe kind mentioned above that facilitates simple maintenance.

The object relating to the runner segment is achieved in that thefastening portion of the runner segment is embodied as an insertionprojection. The runner segment can thus be inserted, with the insertionprojection, into a correspondingly embodied insertion receptacle of theedge guard so that it can easily be replaced under harshconstruction-site conditions. The insertion projection is arranged inthe insertion receptacle in a wear-protected region, so that areproducible correlation of the runner segment with the edge guard isfacilitated.

To allow exact correlation of the individual runner segments among oneanother to be ensured in simple fashion, provision can be made that atleast one stop surface is provided which extends transversely to thelongitudinal center axis, defining the insertion direction, of theinsertion projection. The runner segment can consequently be slid withits insertion projection into the edge guard until the stop surfacelimits the insertion motion in defined fashion.

Provision can particularly preferably be made in this context that theinsertion projection comprises a stop with which the insertion motion islimitable. The stop is consequently accommodated in wear-protectedfashion in the region of the insertion projection.

Installation can be further simplified by the fact that the insertionprojection is equipped in the region of its free end with at least oneshaped-on introduction centering feature.

If provision is made that the insertion projection comprises, onoppositely located sides, support flanks that extend transversely to therunning direction of the runner segment, positively engaged bracing inthe principal force direction on the edge guard during operational usecan then be achieved.

Particularly preferably, the support flanks extend parallel to oneanother, or converge in the insertion direction of the insertionprojection. Converging surface regions furthermore result in a taperedgeometry of the insertion projection that simplifies introduction intothe insertion receptacle. According to an alternative variant of theinvention, provision also can be made that the support flanks comprisesurface regions that are of convex or concave conformation. Such surfaceregions offer large removal surface regions promoting lower surfacepressures.

It may also happen during operational use that the road milling machineis displaced transversely to the principal direction of travel. In orderto maintain reliable immobilization of the runner segments in thisoperating state as well, provision can be made that the insertionprojection comprises, on oppositely located sides, lateral surfacesextending in the running direction of the runner segment. The runnersegment can be positively braced with these lateral surfaces againstcorresponding counter-surfaces of the edge guard.

Road milling machines are also often moved oppositely to the principaldirection of travel during operational use. This causes load situationson the runner segment that deviate from those in the context ofoperation in the principal travel direction. To allow a load-optimizeddesign of the runner segment to be achieved in this context, provisionis made according to a variant of the invention that the insertionprojection exhibits an asymmetrical geometry with respect to atransverse center plane proceeding through the longitudinal central axisof the insertion projection and extending transversely to the runningdirection of the runner segment.

According to a conceivable alternative invention, provision can be madethat at least one protrusion protruding in the running direction isprovided, which projects beyond the insertion projection in oroppositely to the running direction. The protrusion serves to span edgeguard regions located between the individual runner segments, and thusenables a maximally gap-free runner embodiment.

A compact configuration of the runner segment is facilitated by the factthat a projection that carries the runner portion indirectly or directlyadjoins the insertion projection.

Provision can be made in particular, in this context, that the runnerportion has a greater width than the projection. With a cross-sectionaloffset of this kind, a labyrinthine overlap of the entry into theinsertion receptacle can be achieved. Penetration of dirt into theinsertion receptacle is thereby decreased.

A high level of wear resistance for the runner segment can be achievedby the fact that a hard-material element, for example a hardface weld, ahard-metal element, a hard-material coating, or the like, is appliedonto the runner portion.

A particularly preferred variant of the invention is such that a clampelement that comprises one or more elastic functional parts is used.With the clamp element, the runner segment can be secured in simplefashion on the edge guard, such that because of the elasticity of thefunctional parts, the connection can easily be fitted and released.Particularly preferably, the clamp element is retained in the region ofthe insertion projection so that it is accommodated in a mannerprotected from wear.

Particularly simple correlation of the clamp element with the runnersegment can be achieved when the insertion projection comprises areceptacle, in the form of a cutout or recess, into which the clampelement is introduced. The elasticity of the clamp element can, inparticular, also be utilized in order to achieve retention in thereceptacle, so that additional fastening measures can be omitted.

That object of the invention which relates to the edge guard, for a roadmilling machine or similar soil processing machine, having an edge thatis embodied for the reception of runner segments, is achieved in thatthe edge comprises insertion receptacles for reception of the runnersegments. The runner segments can be inserted easily, preferably withouttools, into the insertion receptacles. An insertion projection of therunner segment is accommodated in wear-protected fashion in theinsertion receptacles, and the runner segments can be fittedreproducibly into the insertion receptacles. Maintenance of the edgeguard is thereby considerably simplified.

Particularly preferably, the insertion receptacles are of pocket-shapedconfiguration and are open toward the underside of the edge guard.Simple production of the edge guard is possible when provision is madethat the edge comprises apertures, embodied in comb-like fashion, thatare at least locally closed with partitions spaced apart in parallelfashion from one another in order to form the receptacles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be further explained below with reference toexemplifying embodiments depicted in the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective depiction of an edge guard for a road millingmachine;

FIG. 2 is a detail section labeled II-II in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a detail section labeled III-III in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective depiction of a first variant of a runnersegment;

FIG. 5 is a sectioned depiction of the runner segment according to FIG.4 along the section line labeled V-V therein;

FIG. 6 is a perspective depiction of a second variant configuration of arunner segment;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the runner segment according to FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective depiction of a third variant configuration of arunner segment; and

FIG. 9 shows a section along the transverse central plane, labeledIX-IX, of the runner segment according to FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows an edge guard 10 for a road milling machine, having a basepart 10.1 of plate-like configuration. This base part 10.1 forms afastening side 11 for coupling onto the road milling machine in theregion of a drum housing. Located oppositely to fastening side 11, edgeguard 10 comprises an edge 12. This edge 12 is equipped with cutoutsthat are arranged spaced apart from one another by way of webs 13,resulting in a comb-like geometry. Partitions 16 made of sheet metal areinserted into the gaps formed between webs 13. Two respective partitions16 that are arranged spaced apart and parallel to one another areinserted into each cutout. This produces, between partitions 16 and webs13, an insertion receptacle 14 as illustrated by FIGS. 2 and 3.Partitions 16 are welded to edge 12 of edge guard 10 via weld beadconnections 17. The result is to create a plurality of insertionreceptacles 14, arranged spaced apart from one another at a uniformpitch. These insertion receptacles 14 serve to receive runner segments30, as shown in more detail by way of example in FIGS. 4 to 9. Runnersegments 30 are of substantially similar construction in terms of basicconstruction. They comprise a runner portion 36 that is lined on itsunderside with a hard-material element 37. A facing made of metal powdercan be used, for example, as hard-material element 37. It is alsoconceivable for hard-metal elements or a hard-facing weld to be appliedonto the runner portion. A projection 31 is shaped onto runner portion36. Projection 31 has a narrower width than runner portion 36transversely to the running direction L extending in the principaldirection of motion of the road milling machine. This results inshoulder-like portions on either side of projection 31 that formabutment surfaces 36.1. Projection 31 comprises two protrusions 32 thatprotrude on both sides in running direction L beyond an insertionprojection 38. Protrusions 32 form stop surfaces 33 that transition viafillet transitions 34 into side walls 35.

Insertion projection 38 is demarcated by two lateral surfaces 38.3extending in running direction L. Lateral surfaces 38.3 are parallel toone another. Lateral surfaces 38.3 transition without shoulders intoprojection 31.

As shown by the variant configuration according to FIGS. 4 and 5,insertion projection 38 comprises two support flanks 38.2 that areperpendicular to lateral surfaces 38.3 and extend parallel and spacedapart from one another. Each support flank 38.2 transitions via anintroduction centering feature 38.1 into an end face 38.4.

A clamp element 40 is fastened in the region of insertion projection 38.Clamp element 40 comprises elastic functional parts 42 that are embodiedpredominantly as louvers, as is apparent from FIG. 5. It is alsoconceivable to use a clamp element that is embodied in block-likefashion and is constituted from a elastic material, in which context apart of said block, or the entire block, constitutes the functional parthaving elastic properties. The louver-like functional parts 42 are setin arrow-shaped fashion with respect to one another and are inclinedtoward the insertion axis that defines longitudinal center axis M of theinsertion projection. As is evident from FIG. 5, clamp element 40comprises a base part 41 onto which functional parts 42 are integrallyshaped. A pocket-shaped receptacle 39 in the form of a cutout isrecessed into insertion projection 38. Clamp element 40 is inserted withits base part 41 into said receptacle 39, being braced with its basepart 41 against a bottom 39.1 of the receptacle. In the present caseclamp element 40 is embodied in such a way that base part 41 also haselastic properties. It can then be pressed with an overdimension intoreceptacle 39 so that no additional fastening means are necessary.Alternatively, clamp element 40 can also, for example, be adhesivelybonded into receptacle 39. In the installed state, functional parts 42protrude slightly beyond lateral surface 38.3, as is evident from FIG.5. The protrusion is labeled a in FIG. 5. For the installation of runnersegment 30 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 in edge guard 10 according to FIG. 1,runner segment 30 is firstly placed with its insertion projection 38against insertion receptacle 14 that is open toward the bottom.Introduction centering features 38.1 thereby thread onto the adjacentwebs 13 so that installation is made easier. Runner segment 30 is thenpushed with its insertion projection 38 toward longitudinal center axisM into insertion receptacle 14. This can occur at first with no effortor with little expenditure of effort, until functional parts 42 comeinto engagement against the inner sides of partitions 16. Functionalparts 42 must be elastically deformed upon insertion of runner segment30. The insertion motion of runner segment 30 into insertion receptacle14 is limited by stop surfaces 33 of protrusions 32. These abut againstend faces 15 of webs 13. In the installed state, abutment surface 36.1of runner portion 36 is at a short distance from an end-locatedcounter-surface 19 of partitions 16, as is evident from FIG. 3. End face38.4 is likewise at a distance from an oppositely located bottom surfaceof insertion receptacle 14. Alternatively, the correlation can beselected in such a way that runner segment 30 becomes braced with endface 38.4 against a bottom surface of insertion receptacle 14. Stopsurface 33 is then correspondingly at a short distance from the end faceof webs 13. The stop geometry between runner segment 30 and insertionreceptacle 14 is then accommodated in protected fashion in insertionreceptacle 14. Alternatively, clamp element 40 can also be accommodatedon base part 10.1, in particular protected in insertion receptacle 14.

During operational use, runner segments 30 scrape with theirhard-material elements 37 over the substrate and are thereby continuallyworn away. Once the wear limit has been reached, runner segments 30 caneasily be replaced. For deinstallation, window-like openings 18 areprovided in the externally located partitions 16. A tool 20 having adrift punch 21 can be placed into these openings 18. Drift punch 21 thenbraces against abutment surface 36.1 of runner portion 36. A driving-outforce can then be applied vertically downward into runner segment 30 bymeans of a hammer blow. The frictionally engaged connection between theinner side of partition 16 and clamp element 40 is then released bysliding out runner segment 30. Runner segment 30 can then be pulledcompletely out of insertion receptacle 14 and replaced with a new runnersegment 30.

Thus methods of repairing an edge guard of a construction machine areprovided. Such a method may include providing an edge guard including anedge portion having a plurality of insertion receptacles, and includinga plurality of runner segments, each of the runner segments including arunner portion and an insertion projection, each of the insertionprojections being received in one of the insertion receptacles, one ormore of the runner portions being worn. A worn runner segment having aworn runner portion is removed by withdrawing the insertion projectionof the worn runner segment from its associated insertion receptacle asdescribed above. The worn runner segment is then replaced with a newrunner segment by inserting the insertion projection of the new runnersegment into the insertion receptacle from which the worn runner segmentwas taken.

FIG. 6 depicts an alternative variant embodiment of a runner segment 30.The conformation of this runner segment 30 corresponds substantially torunner segment 30 according to FIGS. 4 and 5, so that reference can bemade to the statements made previously in order to avoid repetition. Incontrast to runner segment 30 according to FIGS. 4 and 5, support flanks38.2 are not parallel to one another but instead are set in a V-shapeand converge toward the free end of insertion projection 38.Correspondingly, webs 13 are preferably configured in such a way thatthey form adapted angled stop surface regions that diverge in insertionreceptacle 14 toward the bottom-side opening. This results in a conicalseating-surface pairing between webs 13 and runner segment 30. This hasthe advantage that support flanks 38.2 already come out of engagementwith the corresponding counter-surfaces of webs 13 after introduction ofonly a small driving-out motion toward longitudinal center axis M, sothat no frictional forces are produced here while driving out.

As FIG. 7 shows, two pocket-shaped receptacles 39 corresponding to theconfiguration according to FIGS. 4 and 5 are introduced into insertionprojection 38. Receptacles 39 are arranged with an offset from oneanother in running direction L, and elastic functional parts 42 of clampelements 40 protrude on both sides of insertion projection 38.Double-sided clamping of insertion projection 38 in insertion receptacle14 is thereby achieved. This type of clamping is of course possible forall runner segments 30. In contrast to runner segment 30 according toFIGS. 4 and 5, runner portion 36, and thus hard-material element 37, isof convex configuration. According to FIG. 1 this runner segment 30 is,for example, advantageously arranged at the front end of edge guard 10and consequently forms a run-on ramp geometry.

FIGS. 8 and 9 depict a further variant configuration of a runner segment30. Here as well, reference will be made to the statements madepreviously in order to avoid repetition with regard to identicalreference characters. Only the differences will be explained below. AsFIG. 8 shows, insertion projection 38 comprises two oppositely locatedsupport flanks 38.2. These possess firstly surface regions that areadjacent to stop surfaces 33 and are at an angle to one another. Thesesurface regions converge toward the free end of insertion projection 38.Connected adjacently to the converging surface regions are shoulderlessconvex surface regions of support flank 38.2. These convex regions ofsupport flanks 38.2 transition flush into one another via a likewiseconvex introduction centering feature. This geometry, too, makespossible accurately fitted and simple correlation of the insertionprojection 38 with corresponding counter-surfaces of webs 13.

As shown in FIG. 9, clamp element 40 comprises a base part 41 on whichlouver-like elastic functional parts 42 are attached on both sides. Theelastic functional parts 42 are once again set in an arrow shape forsimplified introduction of insertion projection 38 into insertionreceptacle 14, and protrude slightly on both sides beyond lateralsurfaces 38.3 of insertion projection 38. Receptacle 39 is hollowed outof insertion projection 38 as a cavity. Upon introduction of insertionprojection 38 into insertion receptacle 14 of edge guard 10, functionalparts 42 slide along the inner sides of the two partitions 16 and aredeformed there.

What is claimed is:
 1. A runner segment for an edge guard of a roadmilling machine or soil working machine, the runner segment comprising:an elongated runner portion elongated in a running direction; aninsertion projection extending upward from the runner portion forinsertion into the edge guard to connect the runner segment to the edgeguard, the insertion projection having a longitudinal center axisdefining an insertion direction, the insertion projection furtherincluding; opposite lateral side surfaces extending in the runningdirection; and at least one recess defined in the insertion projectionand communicated with at least one of the opposite lateral sidesurfaces; and at least one clamp element received in the at least onerecess, each clamp element including one or more lateral protrusionsextending laterally outward from its respective recess past itsrespective lateral side surface, for resiliently engaging the edge guardto clamp the runner segment within the edge guard.
 2. The runner segmentof claim 1, further comprising: at least one stop surface defined on therunner segment for limiting insertion motion of the runner segment intothe edge guard.
 3. The runner segment of claim 1, wherein: the insertionprojection includes a free end and at least one integrally formedcentering surface for guiding the insertion projection into the edgeguard.
 4. The runner segment of claim 1, wherein: the insertionprojection includes forward and rearward support flanks extendingtransversely to the running direction.
 5. The runner segment of claim 4,wherein: the support flanks extend parallel to each other.
 6. The runnersegment of claim 4, wherein: the support flanks converge toward eachother in the insertion direction.
 7. The runner segment of claim 1,wherein: the insertion projection has an asymmetrical geometry withrespect to a transverse center plane extending through the longitudinalcenter axis and extending transversely to the running direction.
 8. Therunner segment of claim 1, further comprising: at least one protrusionprotruding beyond the insertion projection parallel to the runningdirection.
 9. The runner segment of claim 1, further comprising: arunner projection joining the elongated runner portion to the insertionprojection.
 10. The runner segment of claim 9, wherein: the runnerportion has a greater width transverse to the running direction thandoes the runner projection.
 11. The runner segment of claim 1, furthercomprising: a hardened lower surface defined on the runner portion forengaging the ground.
 12. The runner segment of claim 1, wherein: therunner portion has a runner portion length in the running direction anda runner portion width transverse to the running direction; and theinsertion projection has an insertion projection height in the insertiondirection, wherein the insertion projection height is greater than therunner portion width.
 13. The runner segment of claim 1, wherein: theinsertion projection and the clamping element provide an unboltedconnection to the edge guard.
 14. The runner segment of claim 1,wherein: each recess is open to only one of the lateral side surfaces ofthe insertion projection.
 15. The runner segment of claim 1, wherein:each recess extends laterally through the insertion projection and isopen to both of the lateral side surfaces of the insertion projection.16. The runner segment of claim 1, wherein: the at least one recess islocated asymmetrically in the running direction to the longitudinalcenter axis of the insertion projection.
 17. The runner segment of claim1, wherein: the at least one recess includes a first recess communicatedwith one of the opposite lateral side surfaces of the insertionprojection, and a second recess communicated with the other of theopposite lateral side surfaces of the insertion projection.
 18. Therunner segment of claim 1, wherein: the runner segment includes one andonly one insertion projection.
 19. The runner segment of claim 1,wherein: the lateral protrusions are elastic lateral protrusions. 20.The runner segment of claim 19, wherein: the elastic lateral protrusionsare shaped as louvers.
 21. The runner segment of claim 19, wherein: theelastic lateral protrusions are arrow-shaped and point in the insertiondirection.